GDLive Newsfeed
We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time. Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
Stages:
 
Enrollment
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Transfers
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Completed
Newsfeed > Mary's Profile
Mary's family
Mary
landscapeCountry:
kenya
workOccupation:
Subsistence farming
faceAge:
60
workCampaign
Standard Kenya
There will be no further updates from this completed recipient.
2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53075 KES ($512 USD)
access_time over 4 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Before, I operated a small business at the nearby shopping center and the profits were not enough to meet both basic needs then save to build a house. My life is different than it would have been if I never received this transfers in that I have built a spacious house for a comfortable stay of my family and an extension which serves as my business premise . Currently ,my children have a place to sleep and do their private studies without any disturbances unlike before. I no longer shy away when I have visitors because I have enough space to host them. I am also glad that I have cut the cost of paying rent for the business premise that I used to hold my business. Therefore, these cut costs have assisted me a lot in boosting the capital of my business of which I am grateful to GiveDirectly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
In my opinion, GiveDirectly did well by being transparent as possible since they advocated at the start of the transfer project to the end cautions and consequences which associated came with bribery cases mostly from the GIveDirectly's staff and beneficiaries as well. This has lead to the targeted beneficiaries to benefit from the program that I applaud GiveDirectly for that. I do not see where GiveDirectly did not do well in any aspect.
What did you spend your second transfer on?
I spent the larger part of my second transfer in the completion of my decent house which I had started to construct with the first transfer unfortunately the money was not enough to enable me finish the process. I am glad that I have completed its construction and staying in my dream house. I bought two bags of maize for my family's consumption and a table.
 
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($546 USD)
access_time over 5 years ago
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Describe the biggest difference in your daily life.
The biggest difference in my daily life is that I am able to sleep in a very comfortable place. Previously I could sleep on a torn mat on the floor,with a leaking roof, life and sleep were so uncomfortable. Thanks to GiveDirectly.
Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
The moment I received the money from GiveDirectly,I was so happy. I new all my problems were finished.
What did you spend your first transfer on?
I spent the money I received on buying building materials that I want to use to build a new house. My current house is leaking. I have also bought a chain link that I want to use to construct a poultry house. I want to start poultry keeping that will give me some income.
 
Enrolled
access_time over 5 years ago
 
What does receiving this money mean to you?
Receiving this money means that I will be able to buy iron sheets so that I can repair my leaking roof, part of it will be spent on food and a dairy cow.
What is the happiest part of your day?
The happiest part of my day is in the morning when I wake up and clean my house. This makes me happy because I love staying in a clean place.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
The biggest hardship I face in my life is that I do not own the percel of land I stay on hence I can be evicted at any time by the owner. This has prevented me from building a better house for my family.